Pete's Solar Kayak Project

I'll walk you through how I built a DIY solar electric powered kayak for multi-day kayak backcountry camping adventures in remote areas of Lake Powell. I used a Pelican Catch PWR 100 kayak, a Renogy solar power system, a Newport Vessels electric kayak trolling motor, and some DIY elbow grease while using the fishing rod holders and tension straps to secure the solar panel.
Follow-up, first trip to Lake Powell:
• Solar Kayak Trip on La...
Current Lake Powell Conditions - June '23:
• Lake Powell June '23 -...
My off-grid camping packing list:
• Camping Pack List -- s...
FYI, here's a complete list of components for the solar system I came up with:
From Renogy:
- Bifacial 115 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
- RV Tilt Mount Brackets
- Wanderer Li 30A PWM Charge Controller (This one is really for an RV; I plan to change this one out for something waterproof)
- 12V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery w/ Bluetooth
- Solar Panel to Charge Controller Adaptor Kit
- Battery to Charge Controller Tray Cables for 3/8 in Lugs

[@FETTYNOP]

Following Pete. Have a great day!

[@PetesNature]

Thanks, and you! Let me know if there is anything specific you'd like me to cover.

[@ForwardObserverWarningOrder]

Nice build. You can add some structural spray foam around the wooden supports where they rest in the holders. Put some thin saran wrap in before you spray if you need to remove them easily. I’m looking to do something similar and will likely use some electrical conduit.

[@PetesNature]

That's a good suggestion, I originally thought about doing something like that, but never got around to it. After multiple trips, including some rough waters that put lots of stress on the rod holders, I'm pleasantly surprised it has all held together well ... so far anyway :-)

[@wasatchbioengineer4415]

An excellent application of slacker-tech my friend!

[@PetesNature]

Thanks! You should join the adventure.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Nice kayake. With motire

[@PetesNature]

Thanks Sharon, I'm enjoying it.

[@pattymcswain2168]

Very informative. Thanks .

[@PetesNature]

Thanks, glad it was helpful. A couple of friends are building their own solar boats right now, so I'll prepare a video sharing their experiences and lessons as well.

[@staceycatron7401]

This is cool!

[@PetesNature]

Thanks Stacey, I had fun making it.

[@vinnyho172]

So cooooool!

[@PetesNature]

I've inspired a couple of friends to build their own versions improving upon my lessons, more to come! You're next haha!